Sega Announces Java Enabled Game Machine

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Don't worry, you already own pretty much everything you'll need.

By IGN Staff

Sega of America, Sun Microsystems and Planetweb used the JavaOne Developers Conference to unveil yet another facet for the Dreamcast. It was announced that Dreamcast will be featuring Planetweb's implementation of the Java Virtual Machine, a fully enabled PersonalJava solution for internet appliances. These features will come about through Planetweb's JVM-powered browser (version 3.0 in the line of browsers that's currently at version 2.0), and will effectively turn the Dreamcast into one of the first such mass produced consumer electronic devices.

Patricia C. Sueltz, president of Sun Software Products and Platforms took the opportunity to explain this in English. "Integrating Planetweb's implementation of the JVM-powered browser will place consumer products, such as the Sega Dreamcast, at the heart of the convergence between entertainment, the Internet, and service delivery. Java technology provides the platform for enhancing the user experience with better web fidelity, enhanced gaming experience, and new web-based services."

That the Dreamcast should be at the center of this convergence makes sense, considering that the system has recently passed the two million milestone (numbers out of Japan point to 2.5 million), making it the fastest and highest selling internet appliance in the US. The Planetweb Version 3.0 browser will ship in September as part of Sega's plans to stay ahead of the increased competition in the area. Says Gabrielle Mitchell, director of marketing at Sega.com, "The Planetweb Java technology powered browser will deliver Dreamcast users access to enhanced gaming content, including Java technology-based applications and games."

So what does all this mean for Sega, Dreamcast and you? If you already own a Dreamcast, you're all set, but if you don't have one just yet, starting in September there could be yet another reason for you to take the plunge.